ADHD

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder in which the sufferer is not able to focus or control behavior and is overactive. There are three subtypes of ADHD; predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. The causes of ADHD remain largely a mystery to the medical community, but it is thought to have genetic as well as environmental components.

Children with ADHD may display a wide range of symptoms, such as being easily distracted, having difficulty focusing on one thing, fidgeting or squirming in their seats, talking nonstop, impatience or acting without regard for consequences. Diagnosing ADHD is not as simple as one test. A licensed health professional needs to evaluate the child with possible ADHD to gather information about the child, as well as his or her behavior and environment. Often the first professional seen about ADHD is the child’s pediatrician, but many will refer the family to a mental health specialist who can more accurately evaluate and diagnose the child.

Once a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, there are many options for treatment. These include medication and psychotherapy or a combination of both treatments. The most common type of medication used to treat ADHD are stimulants. Although this may seem counterintuitive, the treatment of children with ADHD by using stimulants actually has a calming effect on the kids. Many children experience decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity and an improvement in their ability to work, focus, and learn. Psychotherapy is also an often used treatment option for children with ADHD. Behavioral therapy is used to try to change the child’s behavior, and can include practical assistance, such as help finishing homework or organizing tasks, or working through emotionally stressful events. Behavioral therapy also helps the child to monitor his or her own behavior and eventually start to change it by his or herself.

Living with ADHD can be very stressful and seem extremely complicated if you or a loved one are just being diagnosed. Mental health professionals can help you and your family become educated and prepared to help your child as much as possible. ADHD can cause many issues but if you are looking for a therapist in San Jose to work through them with, please contact Chris Jones, MFT at 408.608.7230.